Nowitzki's 3-Pointer Seals Dallas Win, Clinches Playoff Spot

DALLAS (AP) - Dirk Nowitzki swished a 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds left, breaking a tie and giving the Dallas Mavericks a 97-94 victory over the Utah Jazz that also clinched a playoff berth.

Dallas got in on the combination of the victory and Golden State losing to Denver. With three games left, the Mavericks have a two-game edge on the Nuggets for the No. 7 seed.

Nowitzki scored 32 points for the second time in five games since returning from knee and ankle injuries. The victory wasn't sealed until Deron Williams, who banked-in a tying 3-pointer with5.8 seconds left, missed a long 3 with Nowitzki flying at him.